The John Glenn School Board approved a Teacher Appreciation Grant Policy this week.
The members agreed to enact a 25 percent increase for highly effective teachers over effective teachers.
All posts by Anita Goodan
Solar Energy Ordinance Coming Soon
The Marshall County Building Inspector asked the commissioners for permission this week to attend a workshop next month on renewable energy including solar power and generators.
Chuck DeWitt mentioned that an ordinance regarding solar panels will be coming soon to Culver and to Marshall County that will permit small, medium and large solar energy systems. He said the ordinance will include safety for the public and first responders when installing solar energy systems and education on when a power outage occurs. Continue reading
More Changes Announced as City Building Undergoes Renovations
The Plymouth City Building will undergo renovations soon which will cause the relocation of the mayor’s office and the clerk-treasurer’s office.
Beginning on Sept. 19, the pair of offices will be at 118 N. Michigan Street and will remain there until the completion of the renovation project. The drop box on Garro Street will be available for any payment of water bills after hours.
John Glenn School Board Approves Transfer Student Acceptance Deadline
The John Glenn School Board set a deadline date and the maximum number of transfer students in each grade. The board voted Tuesday night to allow 45 students per grade with a deadline date of May 25, 2018 for this school year.
Superintendent Richard Reese recently reported to the board that the number of transfer students into the corporation this school year totals 401. The number of transfer students last year was 376.
Bicyclist Injured in Accident
Emergency responders were called to a bicycle vs. vehicle accident on Thursday morning at the intersection of Garro Street and Michigan Street.
Haifa Latif of Plymouth reportedly told a Plymouth police officer that she was on her bicycle traveling north in the northbound lane on Michigan Street at the intersection with Garro Street when she did not see the traffic signal and ran into a vehicle driven by Erandy Quintana of Plymouth. Quintana reportedly told police that she was traveling west on Garro Street and entered the intersection as she had a green light when Latif ran into her vehicle.
Road Millings Saving County Considerable Money
Marshall County Highway Supervisor Jason Peters told the commissioners Tuesday morning that the highway department’s use of millings has saved the county a considerable amount of money.
Renovation Causes Relocation of City Meetings
The renovation of the Plymouth City Building on Michigan Street is set to begin soon. Once the state approves the paperwork, environmental testing will start.
The renovation project will prompt the relocation of city meetings. The Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety and the Plymouth City Council meetings will be held at the Plymouth Fire Department Training Classroom beginning Sept. 11. Those attending are asked to use the entrance on the south side of the Plymouth Fire Department building at 111 N. Center Street.
John Glenn School Board Discusses Budget
The John Glenn School Board held a work session Tuesday night on the 2018 budget.
Business Manager Tom Bendy gave information to the board about the proposed budget that will be advertised. A public hearing on the budget will be held at a later date.
The board did approve the advertisement of the 2018 Capital Projects plan and the Bus Replacement Fund. The corporation is advertising the purchase of two 84-passenger buses and two 14-passenger buses.
Marshall County Can Move Forward with Reestablishing Cumulative Capital Development Fund
Officials with the Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) have ruled that the Marshall County Commissioners can move forward with reestablishing the Cumulative Capital Development Fund at its maximum rate.
In a decision handed down on Aug. 31, DLGF officials approved the levying of a tax in the amount of $.0333 per $100 of assessed valuation in 2018. The rate must be advertised and the amount must be properly appropriated in the 2018 budget.
Lack of Interest Causes Grant Application, Non-Profit Fund Creation to Stall
A potential funding source for those suffering losses not eligible for FEMA funds after a natural disaster has been tabled due to lack of support.
Marshall County Emergency Management Agency Director Clyde Avery told the commissioners on Tuesday morning that five people responded to eight notices sent out to create a board of directors for this endeavor, but only three members attended the first meeting. The goal of the proposed 501(C)(3) organization was to generate donations by a variety of fundraisers to sustain the fund. The money would then be distributed after applications were reviewed in the event of a catastrophic event.
Town of Culver Prepares for Stellar Site Visit
The Town of Culver is beginning preparations for a visit from officials with the Stellar Communities Designation Program. The event is set for Oct. 5.
The goal of the Indiana Stellar Communities Designation Program is to help rural towns, like Culver, gather the resources needed to invest in improvements for economic revitalization. Those projects could include housing or other community-minded interests to renew spirit to the area or to alleviate decline.
Public Hearing Set for Intersection Improvement in Marshall, Fulton Counties
The construction of a J-turn intersection is planned at the intersection of U.S. 31 and State Road 110 in Marshall and Fulton Counties. A public hearing on the project is set for Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 6 p.m. at the Argos Community Jr./Sr. High School.
The proposed intersection is expected to enhance safety at that intersection. INDOT officials say J-turn intersections increase safety by reducing the number of possible conflicts and the points where two vehicles cross paths. It is the hope to reduce the number of “T” crashes.
The project information can be viewed prior to the public hearing at the Argos Public Library or by clicking here.
September is National Preparedness Month
It’s time to take action to be prepared when it comes to severe weather.
September is National Preparedness Month and officials urge you to put together a kit of emergency supplies that is geared to sustain family life for at least three days in the event of a severe weather event. It is suggested that one gallon of water per day per person could be included in the kit along with non-perishable food, battery-powered radio, flashlight, a first aid kit, extra medicine, cash, pet food, and seasonal clothing.
Public Hearing Set for Intersection Improvement
A public hearing is planned to gather comments on the proposed intersection improvement on U.S. 31 and State Road 10 and Dewey Street in Marshall County.
The project includes a measure to increase safety at the intersection and reduce delay by separating traffic movements. The plan is to construct a J-turn, or a median U-turn. J-turns improve the ability of drivers to cross a multi-lane divided highway from a crossroad. According to INDOT, the improvement is expected to reduce the risk of severe crashes.
Marshall County Commissioners to Meet Today
The Marshall County Commissioners will meet today where the commissioners will receive an update from projects at the highway department. The board will also hear from Emergency Management Agency Director Clyde Avery about his quarterly activities. County Attorney James Clevenger will provide an update on several items when he delivers his report.
Care and Share Ministries Operations on Hold
The Care and Share Ministries of Marshall County has placed its operations on hold amid an investigation of its executive director.
The ministry is suspended until Dec. 31, 2017 and will meet once a month to evaluate future plans.
51st Annual Marshall County Blueberry Festival Continues through Monday
The Marshall County Blueberry Festival hits full stride today as activities ramp up during this year’s 51st annual celebration.
The Blueberry Bicycle Cruise has different start times this morning while girls fast pitch softball and other sporting events begin at 8a.m.
The festival officially opens at 9 a.m. with the ABATE Blueberry Bike Show, the garden tractor pull, RC car racing, music, and the hot air balloon launch at 6:45 p.m. today.
Plymouth Council to Review Fee Ordinance
With the failure of the municipal excise surtax and the municipal wheel tax ordinance this week during the Plymouth City Council meeting, Mayor Mark Senter asked to review another avenue for potential revenue.
Mayor Senter asked the council members if a three-member panel could be formed to review the current fee schedule to see what changes need to be made.
Portage Man Arrested for Auto Theft
A Portage man is in the custody of Marshall County authorities after allegedly stealing a car from a Plymouth resident.
According to the Plymouth City Police Department, Yiannis Sakelaris, 24, was at a home in the 1200 block of Lake Ave. the night of Aug. 11 when a car was stolen from the residence. Police say the car was recovered in Chicago on Aug. 15 and Sakelaris was in possession of the vehicle. He was hospitalized due to a drug overdose.
Town of Bremen to Present New Welcome Sign
A new welcome sign will be constructed on the west side of Bremen.
The Bremen Town Council approved the purchase of a new “Welcome to Bremen” sign. Director of Operations Trend Weldy said the current sign is in need of extensive repair and it was the council’s decision this week to replace that sign.
